Haplochromis borleyi yelow fin 4 - (Haplochromis borleyi) — 4-5cm

Overview

The Haplochromis borleyi Yellow Fin is a striking Lake Malawi cichlid known for its vivid yellow fins, bold coloration, and active personality. Native to Lake Malawi in East Africa, this impressive species is highly valued by african cichlid enthusiasts for its beautiful appearance and relatively manageable temperament in appropriately sized aquariums. Available as african cichlids for sale from specialist retailers like Tropical Fish Co, this borleyi cichlid brings authentic Lake Malawi character to well-planned hard-water community setups.

Growing to approximately 12cm in adult size, Haplochromis borleyi requires spacious accommodation of at least 250 litres with excellent filtration and hard, alkaline water conditions typical of Lake Malawi. This semi-aggressive species displays typical Haplochromine behaviour including territory establishment during breeding. Buy tropical fish UK specimens from trusted sources to ensure healthy, well-acclimatised fish ready to thrive in malawi cichlids for sale UK community aquariums.

Appearance

Haplochromis borleyi in the Yellow Fin variety displays spectacular coloration that makes it immediately recognizable and highly sought after. The most distinctive feature is the vivid yellow to orange finnage that contrasts beautifully with the body coloration. The body typically shows blue, grey-blue, or silvery base colours with metallic highlights, while all fins—particularly the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins—develop intense yellow to golden-orange coloration.

Males display more intense coloration than females, particularly during breeding when colours become extraordinarily vibrant. The contrast between blue body tones and bright yellow finnage creates a stunning visual impact under quality aquarium lighting. Females and subdominant males show more subdued colours though still attractive, with less intense yellow in the fins and paler body tones.

The body profile is moderately deep and compressed, typical of Haplochromine cichlids, with well-developed finnage and proportionally large eyes. At 12cm adult size, these are moderately sized African cichlids suitable for medium to large aquariums without requiring truly enormous tanks. The vivid yellow fin coloration combined with active swimming behaviour makes them commanding focal points in victoria cichlid and lake malawi cichlid community displays.

Natural Habitat

Haplochromis borleyi inhabits Lake Malawi in East Africa, one of the African Great Lakes renowned for extraordinary cichlid diversity. These fish are typically found in various zones within the lake including sandy areas, rocky transitions, and intermediate habitats where they hunt for invertebrates, small crustaceans, and occasionally small fish.

Lake Malawi is characterized by extremely hard, highly alkaline water with stable pH typically between 7.8-8.5, high mineral content, and excellent water clarity. Temperatures remain consistently warm year-round, usually 24-26°C, with minimal seasonal variation. Dissolved oxygen levels are consistently high throughout their depth range. These environmental conditions must be replicated in the aquarium for optimal health, coloration, and breeding success.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum 250-litre aquarium is recommended for Haplochromis borleyi, with larger tanks of 300+ litres preferred for community setups with multiple Malawi species. Use calcareous substrates like coral sand or aragonite to naturally buffer pH and maintain hard, alkaline conditions. Create rocky structures around the perimeter using ocean rock or tufa rock while leaving open swimming space in the centre—these fish appreciate both structure and room to move.

Provide moderate to bright lighting to showcase the spectacular yellow fin coloration. Filtration must be strong and efficient with canister filters or sump systems providing excellent mechanical and biological filtration. Create moderate water movement and perform regular 30-40% weekly water changes to maintain pristine water quality essential for health.

Feeding

Haplochromis borleyi is an omnivore with primarily carnivorous preferences. Offer varied diet of quality cichlid pellets supplemented with frozen or live foods including mysis, krill, brine shrimp, and occasional vegetable matter. Feed 2-3 times daily in moderate portions. Avoid overfeeding and avoid mammal-based foods. Increase protein during breeding to support energy demands.

Behaviour and Temperament

Haplochromis borleyi is semi-aggressive with typical Haplochromine behaviour. Males establish territories, particularly during breeding, displaying enhanced coloration. These are active fish constantly patrolling and interacting with tankmates. Best kept in harems of one male with several females, or in larger community setups with compatible species. Males can be territorial, so provide adequate space and structure.

Tank Mates

Haplochromis borleyi is compatible with other robust Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament including other Haplochromis species, Aulonocara species, Copadichromis species, and Placidochromis species. Synodontis catfish work well as bottom-dwellers. Avoid small community fish, shrimp and other small invertebrates, very peaceful or timid fish, fin-nipping species, and overly aggressive Mbuna that may harass them.

Breeding

Haplochromis borleyi is a maternal mouthbrooder typical of Malawi cichlids. Keep one male with several females in spacious tank with rockwork and open swimming areas. Females incubate eggs in mouth for about 3-4 weeks before releasing free-swimming fry. Provide excellent water quality with hard, alkaline parameters. Remove brooding females to separate rearing tanks for maximum fry survival or provide ample hiding among rocks in main tank.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

When you buy tropical fish UK from Tropical Fish Co, you're choosing specialists in african cichlids for sale with comprehensive expertise. Our Haplochromis borleyi Yellow Fin specimens are quarantined, feeding confidently, and acclimatised to UK water before dispatch. We provide expert guidance on malawi cichlids for sale UK care, water parameters, and compatibility. Fast delivery throughout the UK ensures safe arrival. All livestock is backed by our health guarantee, giving confidence when purchasing from Tropical Fish Co.